Hyundai Exter facelift spotted testing for the first time

The Hyundai Exter launched in India back in July 2023. With the 3-year mark coming up, the compact SUV is due for a mid-cycle refresh. Test mules of the Exter facelift were spotted testing in India for the first time earlier this week. The updated model will get cosmetic and feature upgrades, but will remain unchanged under the hood.

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Hyundai Exter facelift: What do the spy shots suggest?

The Exter facelift test mule spotted on the road test was draped in camouflage. The cutouts on the fabric suggest that the facelift will retain the H-shaped design for the LED headlamps and taillamps. Cosmetic tweaks are expected on the grille and bumpers. Things will remain the same along the sides as well, but the SUV may get a new look for its alloy wheels.

Reports suggest that the Exter facelift will be the first Hyundai car in India to feature the automaker’s next-gen infotainment system. The dashboard will house a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 9.9-inch digital driver’s display. Both units will run Google’s Android Auto OS, making Exter the first mass-market offering in India to feature the interface. The infotainment system will support Over the Air (OTA) updates. Details about the cabin design, interior colour theme, and upholstery remain unknown so far. 

The Hyundai Exter facelift will retain the powertrain of the current model. The compact SUV is powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine produces a maximum power output of 83hp and 114Nm of torque. It can be paired with a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. In a CNG guise, the SUV puts out 69hp and 95.2Nm. The CNG variants are available with manual transmission only.

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Final Thoughts

Prices for the current Exter lineup start at Rs 5.68 lakh and go up to Rs 9.61 lakh. The facelifted model will demand a small premium. We expect it to fetch closer to Rs 6 lakh. Hyundai has not revealed any details about the launch timeline, but we expect it to hit the market by July 2026. Upon launch, it will continue to rival the Tata Punch, Citroen C3, Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, Skoda Kylaq, Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, and Maruti Suzuki Fronx.